Nigeria, Turkey Move to Streamline Visa Processes, Deepen Trade Relations

 

Nigeria and Turkey have taken steps to address visa challenges and strengthen business cooperation between both countries.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday received the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Interior in Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo described the meeting as timely, noting that Nigeria and Turkey share long-standing historical and cultural ties capable of supporting stronger bilateral collaboration. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a smart, structured and practical approach to international cooperation that encourages people-to-people engagement and supports legitimate business activities.

In a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Mrs. Mary Ali, the minister said the Federal Government remains focused on improving visa administration through transparency, dialogue and continuous reforms.

Ambassador Poroy said recent engagements between Turkish authorities and Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior had led to improved visa facilitation for Nigerian businesspeople travelling to Turkey. He explained that visa applications are now processed locally, with verified Nigerian businesspersons enjoying faster processing timelines of between three and four days.

However, the envoy expressed concern over difficulties faced by Turkish businesspeople seeking Nigerian visas for trade fairs, investments and other commercial purposes. He said conflicting information on Nigeria’s visa requirements for Turkish citizens had caused confusion and requested written clarification to guide applicants.

Poroy also appealed for Turkey’s inclusion in Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-visa) system, noting that the absence of a Nigerian visa office in Istanbul forces applicants to travel to Ankara, creating logistical and financial challenges. He said inclusion in the e-visa regime would significantly boost business mobility between both countries.

Responding, Tunji-Ojo said denying visas to genuine Nigerian or Turkish businesspeople was not in the interest of either country. He assured that the ministry would continue to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless, fair and efficient visa process, while reaffirming Nigeria’s openness to legitimate investors.

The meeting also addressed concerns over the recognition of Nigerian marriage certificates by foreign missions. The minister clarified that all marriage certificates issued under Nigerian law are constitutionally valid and do not require additional verification.

Ambassador Poroy acknowledged the concern and pledged to review the Turkish Embassy’s procedures, as both parties agreed to sustain engagement aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Turkey.